*As Speaker harps on need for improved health, education policies
WorldStage Newsonline– The President of National Council for the Transition of Guinea, Rt. Hon. Dr Dansa Kourouma, has restated his country’s commitment to regional cooperation and democratic values.
According to a statement, Dr Kourouma, made this submission in a speech delivered at the ongoing ECOWAS Parliament delocalised meeting on Tuseday in Conakry, Republic of Guinea.
According to the Guinean President, the presence of ECOWAS representatives in Guinea signifies emphasis on regional cooperation.
His words: “We consider the holding of these proceedings on Guinean soil as a recognition of our efforts towards transition and reconstruction.”
He further stressed Guinean appreciation for ECOWAS support.
While acknowledging the challenges facing the region, President Kourouma stated: ” How can we ignore the fact that our regional community is facing disaffection here and there?”
Stressing the need for solidarity among West African nations, Kourouma reaffirmed and restated Guinean commitment to democratic values, inclusivity, and participation in the constitutional reform process.
He further stated: “We have ensured that this return to normalcy aligns with the principles of inclusion and participation that we have imposed on ourselves.”
NEED FOR IMPROVED HEALTH, EDUCATION POLICIES
The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima has stressed the critical role of robust health and education policies in the region’s development.
In her opening speech at a delocalised meeting, the ECOWAS Speaker said Member States face numerous challenges, including limited resources, inadequate health infrastructure, and health disparities.
Her words: “ECOWAS plays a vital role in coordinating health policies among its Member States. However, these states continually grapple with challenges such as epidemic management, coordination between countries, and training of health professionals.
“It is imperative that we work together to address these challenges and ensure that our citizens have access to quality healthcare and education.”
According to Ibrahima, the significance of health education can not be overemphasised, saying health education is a fundamental preventive tool aimed at reducing premature mortality related to diseases and accidents, often associated with behaviours and lifestyles. “By investing in health education, we can empower our citizens to make informed decisions about their health and well-being,” she also added.
Accordingly, she noted that the recommendation will be presented to the ECOWAS Parliament for consideration and implementation.
The speaker, while expressing gratitude for the warm welcome accorded to members of the Parliament by the Guinean Government, stated: “I would like to express my gratitude to the highest authorities of this brotherly country for the very warm typically African welcome we have received since our arrival on Guinean soil. We are confident that this meeting will be a success and will contribute to the development of our region. ”
The delocalised meeting of the Joint Committee includes committee on Health/Education, Science and Culture/Telecommunications and information technology/Industry and Private Sector has the theme: “Promoting Healthcare services and Education in West Africa: The Role of ECOWAS Parliament.”
Accordingly, the delocalised meeting is aimed at sharing experiences and best practices in promoting health and education in the region.
